Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar # BX7365 Makes Popping Noise when Towing with Pickup Truck

Published 11/01/2017

Question:

My Blu ox Alpha Makes a poping sound when turning. I havent noticed it toeing the vehicle with the motor home but when I towed it with my pickup I heard this.

asked by: Randy N

Expert Reply:

The first thing that you will want to check is to make sure that the Blue Ox Alpha Tow Bar # BX7380 isn't binding. This could be the case if your tow bar is not completely level. When towing with a motorhome you have a 3" safe zone (see attached picture), but that is not the case when using your pickup.

To remedy this you can use a High-Low adapter. I have attached our selection of adapters as well as a helpful article to help you decide if you need one or not.

I also spoke with my contact at Blue Ox who said that if your Alpha has not been serviced properly that could definitely be the case. Blue Ox tow bars should be serviced every 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. This involves changing out washers and bolts so that everything is still working properly. You can send it in to Blue Ox and have them service it for a fee, or you can take it to them and have it serviced at a show or their location for a reduced fee.

If your tow bar is older than it may just need to be replaced altogether. Blue Ox would be able to tell you if that is the case if you have it serviced by them.

expert reply by: Jon G